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In our special issue dedicated to Women Studies, I explore various dimensions of women's experiences and contributions across multiple domains. One of the most transformative areas where women have made a significant impact is in the field of family therapy. This article explores "Women’s Advocacy for Social Change through Family Therapy" as a prime example of how feminist principles can drive both individual empowerment and broader societal transformation. The intersection of feminism and family therapy has made significant strides in advocating for women’s rights and promoting social change. By addressing gender inequality, empowering women, and fostering social justice, feminist-informed family therapy has become a powerful tool for transformation. As we celebrate the contributions of women in this field, it is crucial to continue supporting and advancing feminist principles in family therapy practice, research, and training. Through collective efforts and continued advocacy, feminist family therapy stands as a powerful force for social change.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on pregnancy concerns, stress coping schemas, and interpersonal sensitivity in pregnant women with pregnancy anxiety. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental, utilizing a pre-test, post-test design with a control group and a two-month follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of all pregnant women with pregnancy anxiety at Shaheed Beheshti Women's Hospital in the city of Nowshahr, who scored one standard deviation above the mean and were willing to participate in the therapy sessions. A purposive sampling method was used to calculate a sample size of 75 participants (at least 25 per group). These 75 participants were then randomly assigned to two groups of 25 each (25 in the ACT experimental group and 25 in the control group). The Parker Interpersonal Sensitivity Questionnaire (1989), Wong and colleagues’ Stress Coping Schemas (2006), and Alderdice and Lynn’s Pregnancy Concerns Questionnaire (2011) were distributed among them. As mentioned, after collecting the data from the initial sample, the data were entered into SPSS software version 26. Findings: The results showed that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy significantly reduced pregnancy concerns (F=68.93, P<0.001), interpersonal sensitivity (F=39.73, P<0.001), and increased stress coping schemas (F=265.90, P<0.001) in pregnant women with pregnancy anxiety. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is effective on the dimensions of stress coping schemas in the subjects.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMS), alexithymia, and emotional divorce among married female students, focusing on their predictive roles in marital detachment. Methods: A correlational design was employed with 240 married female students recruited via convenience sampling from Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch (2023–2024 academic year). Participants completed validated self-report measures: the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF; Young, 1995) assessing EMS across five domains (e.g., Impaired Limits, Other-Directedness), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20; Bagby et al., 1994) measuring alexithymia subscales (Difficulty Identifying Feelings, Difficulty Describing Feelings, Externally Oriented Thinking), and the Gottman Emotional Divorce Questionnaire (GEDQ; Gottman, 1997). Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and stepwise regression via SPSS-26, with significance set at *p* < .01. Findings: Significant correlations emerged between EMS domains, alexithymia, and emotional divorce (*r* = 0.18–0.53, *p* < .01). Stepwise regression revealed Impaired Limits as the strongest predictor (β = 0.39, *p* < .01), explaining 15% of variance, followed by incremental contributions from Difficulty Identifying Feelings (ΔR² = 3%, β = 0.23), Other-Directedness (ΔR² = 1%, β = 0.13), Externally Oriented Thinking (ΔR² = 2%, β = 0.18), and Impaired Autonomy (ΔR² = 2%, β = -0.22), cumulatively accounting for 23% of variance (F = 15.16, *p* < .01). Negative β for Impaired Autonomy suggested suppression effects. Conclusion: EMS and alexithymia significantly predict emotional divorce, with Impaired Limits and emotion-regulation deficits being central drivers. Findings underscore the need for schema-focused interventions (e.g., schema therapy) and emotion-regulation training in marital counseling to mitigate detachment. Future research should explore dyadic interactions and cultural moderators to refine predictive models.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of attachment-based, brain-based, and mindful parenting training on reducing parental stress in mothers of children exhibiting symptoms of social anxiety. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up stages was used, involving 60 mothers from three elementary schools in Felard city. Participants were divided into four groups: attachment-based parenting, brain-based parenting, mindful parenting, and a control group. Each experimental group received eight 90-minute training sessions. Parental stress was measured using the Parenting Stress Index before and after the intervention and during follow-up. Data were analysed using SPSS-26 and analysis of variance with repeated measurements method. Findings: The brain-based parenting training significantly reduced parental stress in the post-test and follow-up stages compared to the control group. The attachment-based and mindful parenting trainings did not show significant effects on parental stress. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant within-group effects over time and interactions between time and group. The brain-based training had a notable impact on the mothers' ability to manage parenting stress effectively. Conclusion: Brain-based parenting training is an effective intervention for reducing parental stress among mothers of children with social anxiety symptoms. The findings highlight the importance of understanding brain functions in parenting strategies. Further research is needed to explore the potential long-term benefits of attachment-based and mindful parenting methods on parental stress.

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to integrate the role of social networks and subjective norms into the theoretical framework of the investment model of relationships to predict marital stability among divorce-seeking couples in the city of Ilam. Methods: This research employed a correlational design. The statistical population included all divorce-seeking couples in Ilam during 2019–2020 who visited family courts, counseling centers, and divorce registry offices. A sample of 160 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Data collection utilized the following instruments: the Marital Instability Index (Edwards et al., 1987), the Social Networks in Marital Relationships Scale (researcher-developed, 2019), the Subjective Norms in Marital Relationships Scale (researcher-developed, 2019), and Rusbult’s Investment Model Scale (1980). Data analysis was conducted using path analysis via AMOS version 23. Findings: The findings indicated that the tested model exhibited acceptable fit. Significant positive correlations were found between marital satisfaction and marital commitment, while significant negative correlations were observed between the quality of alternative relationships and marital commitment. Additionally, relationship investment and marital commitment were significantly positively correlated. A significant relationship was identified between marital commitment and marital instability at the level of p<0.05. However, no significant relationship was observed between social networks and marital commitment or between subjective norms in marital relationships and marital commitment. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that marital commitment mediated the relationship between satisfaction with the relationship and marital instability (p≤.05), the quality of alternative relationships and marital instability (p≤.05), relationship investment and marital instability (p≤.01), and subjective norms and marital instability (p≤.05). However, marital commitment did not significantly mediate the relationship between the influence of social networks in marital relationships and marital instability. Conclusion: Based on the findings and the role of subjective norms and social networks within Rusbult’s investment model, the results of this study can be utilized in counseling centers to enhance and prevent the instability of marital relationships.

Objective: This study aimed to predict marital intimacy based on attachment styles, early maladaptive schemas, and love styles among married female students. Method: The research employed a descriptive correlational design and included all married female students enrolled during the second semester of the academic year 2021. Out of these, 300 individuals were selected as the sample group and were studied. Research instruments included the Young Schema Questionnaire - Short Form (YSQ-SF), Hendrick's Love Styles Questionnaire, Collins and Read's Attachment Style Questionnaire (RAAS), and Thompson and Walker's (1983) Marital Intimacy Questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data obtained from these instruments. Descriptive statistics included means and standard deviations, while multiple regression was used to examine the research hypotheses. Findings: The regression results indicated that sacrificial love style and the impaired limits schema negatively predict marital intimacy. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the sacrificial love style and the impaired limits schema negatively explain marital intimacy.

Objective: The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Choice Theory-based parenting education on distress tolerance, family cohesion, and maternal parenting self-efficacy in mothers of children exhibiting oppositional defiant behaviors. Method: This quasi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and control group design. The sample population included all mothers of children aged 7-12 years with oppositional defiant behaviors covered by the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee in Sari during the 2021-2022 academic year. Using purposive non-random sampling based on scores from the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simons & Gaher, 2005), the Family Cohesion Scale (Shakeri, 2003), and the Parenting Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (Dumka, 1996) at pre-test, 30 eligible mothers were selected. These mothers were then randomly assigned into two groups of 15 each (experimental and control groups). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with the assistance of SPSS version 27 software. Findings: Results indicated that Choice Theory-based parenting education significantly improves distress tolerance, family cohesion, and maternal parenting self-efficacy in mothers of children with oppositional defiant behaviors. Conclusions: Given these results, the use of this educational approach is recommended to enhance distress tolerance, family cohesion, and maternal parenting self-efficacy in mothers of children with oppositional defiant behaviors.

Objective: The present research aimed to compare the effectiveness of schema therapy and a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on sexual satisfaction among married individuals. Method: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with a one-month follow-up and included a control group. The study population consisted of all married individuals with marital issues who visited the Khodbidari Psychological Center in the first half of 2019, totaling approximately 180 individuals. From this group, 45 individuals were selected through purposive sampling and randomly assigned to three groups of 15. The experimental groups underwent 8 sessions of 90-minute schema therapy by Young et al. (2003) and the mindfulness-based stress reduction program by Kabat-Zinn (2003), while no intervention was performed for the control group. The data collection tool was the Sexual Satisfaction Scale (Larson et al., 1998). The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and repeated measures ANOVA. Findings: The results indicated that there was a significant difference in sexual satisfaction scores among the groups (p = 0.001, F = 21.58), and both schema therapy and the mindfulness-based stress reduction program increased sexual satisfaction among married individuals. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the two groups in this regard (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, both schema therapy and the mindfulness-based stress reduction program can be used to improve sexual satisfaction in married individuals.

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of positive therapy on fear of intimacy and suicidal thoughts in girls experiencing romantic relationship dissolution. Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest-follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included 401 individuals who visited a counseling center in Tehran. From this population, 30 girls experiencing romantic relationship dissolution were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups, each consisting of 15 individuals. Data were collected using the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire and the Fear of Intimacy Scale. The experimental group received 8 sessions of positive therapy, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS.24 software. Findings: The results showed that positive therapy had a significant effect on reducing fear of intimacy (F=24.87, P<0.001) and suicidal thoughts (F=19.87, P<0.001) in girls experiencing romantic relationship dissolution. Conclusion: It can be concluded that positive therapy leads to a reduction in fear of intimacy and suicidal thoughts in girls experiencing romantic relationship dissolution and can be effective in reducing psychological problems in this population.